Aprilia is pushing for an exception to the rules so that Jorge Martín can test a MotoGP bike before making his race return – after injuries in February sidelined him for the entire preseason.
Beyond missing the chance to adapt to a new bike, last year’s champion has completed just over a dozen laps on a MotoGP machine since November 2024. This lack of track time is significant in terms of race pace and familiarity.
For this reason, the Noale-based manufacturer wants to give Martín a test on the RS-GP before putting him into a Grand Prix. However, at least one other manufacturer is opposing the move.
LCR Honda team owner Lucio Cecchinello told GPOne.com that while he supports the idea, he believes rule changes should not be made mid-season:
– It makes perfect sense, and I agree. It was an unfortunate situation, and it’s unfair to make things even harder for the rider. The proposal deserves consideration, but at the same time, rules shouldn’t be changed month by month to accommodate specific needs. The concept is correct, but perhaps it would be more appropriate to discuss it for 2026.
The Italian also pointed out the risk of setting a precedent: ‘If we change the rules now, it could open the door to constant adjustments whenever a manufacturer – be it Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, or KTM – has a specific interest. Massimo [Rivola, Aprilia’s CEO] is right; this is something we missed. Let’s create a new rule, but for 2026’.